The earpiece on the Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 sounds slightly muffled during phone calls, but it is loud enough for us to understand the other party without much effort. The microphone captures clear and distinct audio, and even though there is no secondary microphone for noise cancellation present on the device, our voice is still recognizable on the other side of the line even in noisy environments.

Battery life:

Samsung has yet to disclose any specific figures as to how long the Galaxy Mega 5.8's battery lasts on a single charge. But based on our experience with the device, its 2600mAh removable battery should last through at least one day of regular usage. The screen is what draws most of the battery's juice, so keeping its brightness low would extend the time between charges.

Conclusion:

No, the Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 isn't ridiculous despite its gargantuan proportions. It is simply not a smartphone for the mainstream market. Rather, it is meant to be used by a very specific demographic – those few who want their smartphone to have a large display above all. Without a doubt, having such a huge screen makes gaming a lot more comfortable and it is great for watching video or photos. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 is meant to be used as a multimedia device first and as a (dual-SIM) phone second.

However, bigger isn't always better. Owning the Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 does come with a number of trade-offs, one of them being that it is simply uncomfortable to carry around for obvious reasons. We are also a bit disappointed by the occasional performance issues, and the low resolution of the screen is another thing that we have a hard time getting over. If a large screen is what you need and if you don't demand on having dual-SIM functionality, it would be worth going for the Samsung Galaxy Note II, which might be more expensive, but will provide you with a much better user experience overall.

Software version of the reviewed unit:Android 4.2.2Build number: JDQ39.I9152XXUAMD8

28 Comments

Display mode:

Sammy should've passed on this one. The 6.3 @720p makes sense once you look at it as a pocketable call-ready tablet instead of anything related to a phone - yet it only makes sense with the right price tag. The 5.8 one with the low pixel density and quite weak HW does not.

Having a tough time understanding why this or the 6.3 exists. The market for such a large phone must be incredibly small, like 6'6"+ tall market. Throw in the s**tty screen resolution and s**tty processor, the only thing it has going for it is Android 4.2.2. Unless this thing is under $50 or free with new 2 yr. at launch, I see no reason why someone would pass up the GS4 or possibly the Note II to get this. Luckily, I think Samsung can afford a dud or two.

It's not made for the U.S. market, man. The chances of this or the 6.3 being picked up by one of our carriers is slim to none. Therefore, you won't see any prices with a 2-year contract. That's mostly a North American model.

Agreed. The Note 3 will be just as jumbo-sized as this one, but will have the 1080 display and top-tier processors it deserves. And that model will make it to the North American carriers (for a price).

I agree with g2a these phones are not made for our market. If they were I would be interested in one for the right price, I use my phone for nothing more then texting and internet, I use about 80 min a month in calling so that doesnt worry me.

if Ray s reviewed this phone, he will give it an 8.5 and stress how fast and lag free it is..it is plagued with the same lagginess as the galaxy s4... Good job for doing a good review...i wish people like you do reviews on here steadily unlike RAY S AND PARTNER IN CRIME JOHN V

19.TheBitterTruth (unregistered)

Once again, Samsung is flooding the market with its way-to-big phones. Having a large screen size can be good, but not phone someone with a pillow. It's so hard to hold 5+ inch phones. 5 inch is just right. Offers a good experience watching videos and viewing photos, while keeping just enough space for one hand operation.

20 inch phone complete with the ability to detect the motion of your Kung Fu and call someone, and 'smart leave' which turns on the screen when you look away and turns off when you look at the screen. Got problem with fragile glass? Samsung Galaxy Glass provides a shatter-ful experience throughout the phone's life. Fortunately the phone lasts for half a year so your money is 'very well spent'.

since I updated the last os 4.3 and i can't enjoy any calling app, as all my calls can't be heard unless in loud speaker. not the phone speaker or the head phones, also whenever I play a video, it tells me that i can't play a video during a call, when no calls are on.
very carp os. I wanna get rid of those problems, what can I do.
no viber, Tango or even kakao talk are working without loud speakers.
but phone calls are fine.

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